Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after robbers wielding bats and axes sped through a shopping centre on motorbikes and raided a jewellery shop.

Flying Squad detectives have released CCTV footage of the six-strong gang riding into Brent Cross shopping centre in north London.

The six men, travelling on three motorbikes, rode into the building shortly after 10.15am on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said.

Three pillion passengers got off and ran towards Fraser Hart on the ground floor, smashing display windows and making off with a haul of watches and items of jewellery.

Image Caption:Police released images of the abandoned motorbikes

The trio fled to the awaiting motorbikes and the gang sped off in the direction of Hendon Central.

The bikes were found abandoned 15 minutes later near a golf course on Ashley Walk in Mill Hill.

Nobody was injured during the robbery, though an elderly man was treated for shock at the scene.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said no firearms were involved in the incident, and that no arrests have been made.

Image Caption:The bikes were found abandoned at a golf course

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Hennigan, who is leading the investigation for the Flying Squad, said: "We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the events at the Brent Cross shopping centre when the jewellers was robbed having only just opened its doors to its first shoppers.

"We are also appealing to anyone who may have seen the three motorbikes being driven from Brent Cross to Mill Hill.

"We urge anyone with information to call our incident room."

:: Anyone with information is asked to the Flying Squad on 020 8358 1751 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.